This work provides a broad introduction to the evolution of world civilizations from ancient times to 1700. Short documents, photographs and charts, along with introductions, commentaries, guides and questions, are included to help clarify the material presented. Organized chronologically and regionally, the text also offers an alternate topical table of contents. This anthology aims to give students insight into how historians use evidence and make the interpretations that underlie our understandings of world civilizations.